“Trusting that the Lord – Our Mother Eagle – will always care for us – and wants us to Be His, forever!”

(Based on Rom 8:1-11 and Lk 13:1-9 – Saturday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

It’s interesting to know the making of an Eagle’s nest!

When a mother eagle builds her nest, she starts with thorns, broken branches, sharp rocks, and a number of other items that seem entirely unsuitable for the house.

But then she lines the nest with a thick padding of wool, feathers, and fur from animals…
…. making it soft and comfortable for the eggs.

By the time the growing birds reach flying age, the comfort of the nest and the luxury of free meals make them quite reluctant to leave.

That’s when the mother eagle begins “stirring up the nest.”

With her strong talons, she begins pulling up the thick carpet of fur and feathers, bringing the sharp rocks and branches to the surface.

As more of the bedding gets plucked up, the nest becomes more uncomfortable for the young eagles.
Eventually, this and other urgings prompt the growing eagles…
… to leave their once-comfortable abode and move on to more mature behaviour.

Our life is often such!

We take for granted comfortable situations, merciful acts and providential events.

But when something unpleasant happens, we are unable to digest them

When something “bad” happens, we look for people to be blamed and scapegoats to be accused!

And most of the time, the “Scapegoat” turns out to be “God!”

God is blamed…
… for all negative situations that come up suddenly
… for all uneventful happenings and calamities
… for all tragic moments in personal and societal life

The Gospel of the Day opens our eyes to consider the “Jesus way” of looking and understanding such “uneventful” mishaps and “tragic” calamities.

Humanity is a daily witness to calamities, catastrophes, adversities and disasters.

Tragedies occur in the life of every human being.

Every now and then, we hear of many reports of unpredictable or unimaginable misfortunes occurring in the lives of people…
… floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, droughts etc
… or bomb blasts, mass killings, accidents etc

In our own personal lives too, we experience a lot of painful moments…
…. very often, unexpectedly.

In the face of all these horrors… we are faced with many doubts and questions….

Why do these things happen to the innocent?
Why doesn’t the Good and Loving God do anything about all this?

Sometimes, we even take on a critical and judgmental attitude and say, “Probably, God is punishing all these people for their sins or their misdeeds”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus also is presented with a couple of human tragedies and made to react on them.
The first tragedy is about the Galileans who suffered at the hands of Pilate (Lk 13: 1-3)

The second is about the people who dies when the tower of Siloam fell on them (Lk 13: 4)

The first one is about a disaster brought about because of the cruel deeds of human beings

The second because of the misfortunes in nature.

In both these cases, however, the people who died, were mere subjects to death…

They had an unfortunate death, without perhaps really being guilty.

And so the natural reaction of the people of the times was that, the people who died would have been greater sins, and “they are being punished by God.”

“These people deserved death because of their sins” was the popular slogan of those times.

Perhaps, when faced with calamities, we too often take upon this judgmental attitude,

But here Jesus points out the great reality…

These calamities and disasters are not to be another occasion for us to pass judgments

Rather, they become golden opportunities for us to make a self-reflection on our lives.

Like the tree which is given one more year – to be dug around, to be given manure and to produce…
… these tragedies and events in life, present us with more time to examine, how do we live our lives.

Do we take our lives for granted?

Perhaps, we have a tendency to often think there is plenty of time in life.

And complacency creeps into our life.

But “tragedies” point to us the fact, that after all human life is very short.

And in this short-lived life, we need to make the best use of God’s graces to repent and to lead a Holy life.

In Rev 22.7, Jesus says “Behold, I am coming soon”

As Christians, we believe in the Coming of the Lord.
No one knows the hour
No one knows the day

But, being prepared, being vigilant always, is a must, is a necessity.

As St Paul tells us, “we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” (Eph 4:15)

Human tragedies and personal misfortunes are to be understood as God’s interventions of Love for us…
… to have our lives set clearly on our priorities for God and His Kingdom

They are not to evoke fear or elements of judging

Rather, should prompt us to take life more seriously, and to make Real Repentance and live a Holier lives.

One of the practical tip that we could easily practise is our Daily Examination of Conscience.

When we daily examine our conscience, and make efforts to amend our lives with true repentance, we are able to live the graces that are showered on us.
Also, a meaningful Regular Confession helps us not only to be forgiven of our sins…
… but also gives grace to lead a more holy and unblemished life.

The Lord invites us today, to wake up from our slumber of taking life easy and cool

He disturbs us in our comfortable and cosy life…
… and challenges us to make real repentance and lead a genuinely holy life.

Disasters, tragedies and misfortunes will keep happening.

But they are also reminders for us to be eternally vigilant and keep guard over the sanctity of our lives.

In moments of the “stirring of our nest” in life, let’s not panic or be disturbed…

Rather, in faith and love, let’s trust that the Lord – Our Mother Eagle – will always care for us…
… and wants us to seek Him
… to Be His, forever!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

— Fr Jijo Jose Manjackal MSFS
Rome, Italy
Email: reflectioncapsules@gmail.com

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery – Male and Female He created them

Everyone, man and woman, should acknowledge and accept his sexual identity.
Physical, moral, and spiritual difference and complementarity are oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life.

The harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which the complementarity, needs, and mutual support between the sexes are lived out. (CCC # 2333)

“Seeing the signs, recognizing God’s power and marching joyfully in Him!”

(Based on Rom 7:18-25a and Lk 12:54-59 – Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

One foggy night, a storm was brewing off the coast.

The fishermen were getting ready to sail…
… the sea looked calm
… the sky seemed clear

But high in the lighthouse, the old keeper noticed the waves changing, clouds thickening, the air turning heavy.

He lit the beacon early.

Some fishermen mocked him
“He’s overreacting! The sea’s fine!”

But a few looked up, saw the light, and turned back.

Moments later, the storm struck…
… fierce and furious.

By dawn, only the boats that had turned back were safe.

The keeper said quietly,

“I can’t calm the storm…
… but I can shine the light.”

Our Blessed Lord shines His light every day…
… in His Word, His Church, His providence.

But like those fishermen…
… many of us prefer the calm of our own judgment to the warning of His light.

Are we missing out reading the signs of times, given by our good God?

The Gospel today calls us: see the signs, recognize His power, and march joyfully in His light!”

Jesus says, “You superficial people! You understand the signs of the earth & sky, but you don’t understand the present times!” (Lk 12:56)

From ages past, human beings have been gaining expertise on interpreting the signs and indications given in nature…

Spotting of some dark clouds, to predict heavy rains…
A red sky at dusk, indicating a clearer sky the following day…
Strange movements of animals and birds, to predict earthquakes or other calamities…

Jesus uses this example in nature to expose the hollowness and duplicity of the people of His time.

Jesus came in the world to usher in the Kingdom of God.

He came to announce to the world that God is not some distant entity…
… but rather is very seriously interested to be close to their lives.

To this end of announcing the Kingdom of God, Jesus performed a number of signs…

He taught the Scriptures and the Laws with a greater freshness and stronger authority.
He healed the blind, the deaf and the dumb to make them witness His power.
He raised up the dead and powerfully demonstrated the saving power of God.
He restored the crippled and cast out demons to show them God’s might.
He forgave sinners and accepted the outcast to display God’s deep mercy and compassion.
He searched for the lost and invited the oppressed to experience the depth of God’s love.
He performed many miracles in nature to show God’s supremacy over the whole creation.

But many of the people failed to see beyond these signs…

All these miracles & manifestations of the Lord were very often looked upon with much suspicion & sometimes, even contempt!

Jesus pities such an attitude!

The people could interpret so easily the signs in nature…

But they failed to interpret the signs of the Kingdom of God!

The people could easily predict certain things by seeing the climate…

But they refused to hear God’s inviting voice, in the marvels performed by Him.

The people could easily tell certain events of the future by observing their surroundings…

But they adamantly declined to turn to Him in repentance, by seeing His deeds.

This is a danger that any one of us could also have in our own personal lives…

God sustains our daily life with much care…
… but we fail to give praise for His wonders.

We take for granted all these daily blessings.

God protects us from various calamities…
… but we fail to admit His providence.

We take for granted His shielding hand.

God infuses our lives with many inspirations…
… but we fail to give heed to His voice.

We take for granted all His tender invitations.

Personal sins are God’s ways of calling us to experience His Mercy and Justice.

Delays in prayers are God’s ways of asking us to Trust in Him more Deeply.
Accidents and calamities are God’s ways of calling us to trust in His Providence.
Unexpected failures and pains are God’s ways of making us to Share in His Sufferings.
Happiness and a satisfied life is God’s ways of inviting us to Thank and Praise Him more.
Failure to overcome our bad tendencies is God’s ways of calling to us to a Life of Humility
Despair in life and hopelessness is God’s way of appealing us to Grow much more in Faith.

Signs from God, may sometimes be liked…
… sometimes be disliked.

St Augustine: ‘If you believe what you like in the Gospels but reject what you don’t like…
… it’s not the Gospel you believe, but yourself’

In trust and faith, let us walk with the Lord, knowing that all things “work for good, for those who love Him” (Rom 8:28)

Human beings have come a long way in technological advancements & seeking to conquer the outer space & powers of nature…

But we still have a long way to understand the mighty works being performed by God in our personal & communitarian lives.
Let us see the signs…
Let us recognize God’s power…
Let us march joyfully in Him!

Today we also seek the intercession of St Antony Mary Claret, the founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CMF – Claretians)…
….and be inspired by his words:
“Love is the most necessary of all virtues.

Love in the person who preaches the word of God is like fire in a musket.
If it is spoken by someone who is filled with the fire of charity- the fire of love of God and neighbour…
… it will work wonders!”

Let us pray for all the Claretians, who are celebrating the Feast of the Patron Saint…
… and for all the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS) on their 187th Foundation Day!

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery – Male and Female He created them

Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of his body and soul.
It especially concerns affectivity, the capacity to love and to procreate…

… and in a more general way the aptitude for forming bonds of communion with others. (CCC # 2332)

“Choosing the path of suffering and self-sacrifice in our journey with the Lord!”

(Based on Rom 6:19-23 and Lk 12:49-53 – Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

One of the common questions that is usually asked to kids is: ”What do you want to become when you grow big?”

And the answers we get are sometimes common, sometimes interesting, sometimes even weird…

“I want to be a doctor!”
“I want to be a professional ice cream taster!“
“I want to be the next Elon Musk or Steve Jobs!”
”I want to fly to Mars!”
“I want to be a magician who makes homeworks and vegetables disappear!’

But suppose, if the same question were to be put forward to another Kid…

This Kid would have given perhaps the strangest and the shocking answers of all:

“When I grow big, I want to Die!
I am living my life, so that I can die!”

Guess who is this Kid?

Well… no marks for guessing who it is..

It is Jesus!

Death was the goal of His life!

The Gospel of the Day presents this burning and intense desire of the Lord, “There is a baptism with which I must be baptized and how great is my anguish, until it is accomplished” (Lk 12:50)

Christ came into the world to save the world.

And this salvation was possible for Him, only through the way of suffering.

This is the Baptism to which Christ refers to….
A Baptism of suffering.
A Baptism of obedience.
A Baptism of self-sacrifice.

This way of the Lord is not easy.
It causes division and separation, even in families.

How does this division happen?

When one stands for the values and the person of Christ, the world mocks and fools.
When one holds on to one’s faith and convictions in Christ, there is immense shame inflicted.

A member in the family stands for Church values and principles, whereas others in the house oppose.

A division is created among them, in the Name of Christ!

A student in the class stands for honesty and truthfulness and refuses to join in copying and malpractices during the examination.

A division is created among them, in the Name of Christ!

A friend stands for his convictions and refuses to join his peers in some bad habits or activities which are unbecoming.

A division is created among them, in the Name of Christ!

A person counters accepting bribes at work or opposes doing some manipulation in the place of work to gain some extra finances.

A division is created among them, in the Name of Christ!

Christianity indeed is the strangest of all religions…

Christianity disturbs one’s life from comfort, to become a people who comfort others.
Christianity challenges one to uproot one’s sinful roots and discover true peace and joy.

Christ is indeed the strangest of all religious figures…

Christ stands unparalleled in making His life itself as the greatest message and teaching.
Christ stands out in becoming a single icon of absolute self-sacrifice and victimhood!
Christ alone became the Way itself to be walked and the truth itself to be followed!

The way of Christ always challenges our coziness.

The Lord invites us to be bold in accepting the Crosses of our life…
… to share with Him, in the Baptism of suffering and pain.

We still have much to grow.

What are we growing ourselves into?

Christ is the example for us.
He chose suffering and self-sacrifice as His path to glory.

His way is the way of suffering.
His way is the way of pain.
His way is the way of the Cross.

But…
… His way is also the way of joy!
… His way is also the way to glory!
… His way is also the way of healing!

And now He beckons each one of us too…

Shall we also join Him in His intense desire for Baptism?

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery – Male and Female He created them

God created man in his own image…
… male and female he created them”
He blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply”
“When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God.
Male and female he created them…

… and He blessed them and named them Man when they were created. (CCC # 2331)

“Being faithful to the entrusted duty of being zealous workers of the Kingdom of God!”

(Based on Rom 6:2-18 and Lk 12:39-48 – Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

An incident is reported that took place a few years ago.

A former astronaut took over as head of a major airline company.

He was extremely ambitious to make his company the best airline service provider.

Once, when this new president was making an inspection of a particular department, he came across an employee…
… resting his feet on the desk, while the telephone was ringing continuously.

“Are you not going to pick up the phone?” queried the boss, with a sense of displeasure.

“That’s not my department!” answered the employee indifferently!

He had not recognised his new boss.

“I work in the maintenance section!” he replied.

“Huh!” quipped the president, “Not anymore!”

The casual attitude and the laid-back and easy-going approach of the employee cost him his job.

The new boss would not tolerate any people, who failed to show a sense of responsibility and commitment…
… which are essential and undeniable qualities in the pursuit of perfection and excellence!

What about us?

Is our Christian life characterised by responsibility and commitment?

Or do we have a casual attitude and a laid-back and easy-going approach?

The Gospel of the Day presents to us a strong reminder by the Lord to take our Christian life seriously…
… with its undeniable duties and its unavoidable sense of responsibility.

Jesus speaks of the coming of the Son of Man at an unexpected time…
… just as the coming of a thief is unknown to the master of a house (Lk 12: 39-40)

What are some of the characteristics of the coming of a thief to the house?

1) It happens in the quiet of the night….
… so that no one becomes aware and the setting is perfectly safe

There is a sense of ‘anonymity’

2) It takes place when none of the people in the house are expecting it…
… thus leaving them completely startled and unprepared

There is the element of ‘total surprise’

3) It happens in areas where there is emptiness or lesser security measures
… thus creating greater potency to danger and sharper damage

There is a factor of ‘missed opportunity to take care’

These then are the “loopholes” in our spiritual life, that can cause us to be off-guard…
… when the Lord appears in His Second Coming (just as the coming of the thief in the night)…

A sense of ‘anonymity’
An element of ‘total surprise’
A factor of ‘missed opportunity to take care’

Do we remain “anonymous” to the Lord…
… by remaining ignorant of His teachings and commandments – even though He addresses very often through the Bible and the Church?
… by failing to give heed to the repeated reminders by the Lord through various advices from our caring one, and the guidance we receive through sermons, reflections, messages and life-situations?

Do we get caught with “total surprise” at the Will of God in our lives…
… failing to see the providential hand of God in the struggles and hardships that we undergo?
… entering into a sense of despair and discouragement when things don’t happen the way we plan?

Do we become victims of “missing opportunities to take care”…
… by failing to do the many good works which we can perform, but fail, owing to our slackness?
… by taking the stance of being indifferent in situations of injustice and discriminations?

The Lord clearly warns even in the Book of Revelation…
… “If therefore you shall not watch, I will come to you as a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come upon you.” (Rev 3:1-3)

Though this passage may cause a sense of fear and insecurity, we also need to consider, the converse…
… that if we are prepared and alert
… that if we are ready and vigilant
… then the “coming of the Lord” becomes a joyful waiting and an expectant hope!

Nothing fears the one who is prepared, to meet the Lord!

St Paul encourages us through these words: “But you brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief!” (1 Thess 5: 2-4)

When we are in the Light of Christ…
… by a constant life of vigilant prayer
… by a faithful life of sacraments
… by a committed life to the Church

No darkness can overpower us; No fear of thieves can cause panic!

As Christians, each one us is entrusted the duty of being faithful “employees” of the Kingdom of God!

Are we going to “rest our feet on the desk”…
… with a casual attitude and a laid-back and easy-going approach…?

Or shall we be “armed and ever-ready to serve”…
… with a sense of responsibility and commitment…?

Be ready…

Our Boss – The Lord – may come anytime…!

We seek today the intercession of Pope St John Paul II, arguably, one of the most-popular and loved Pope of our times.

His convincing life, uncompromising teaching and courageous words are a challenge and inspiration to all of us…
… “What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return.

In comparison to the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary.
And, without the love of Jesus, everything is useless.”

So…
“Never ever give up hope!

Never tire, never get discouraged!
Do not be afraid to be saints!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery – Male and Female He created them

God is love and in himself he lives a mystery of personal loving communion.
Creating the human race in his own image…
… God inscribed in the humanity of man and woman the vocation

… and thus the capacity and responsibility, of love and communion.” (CCC # 2331)

“Nurturing our faith, and allowing the Flame of Christ to shine through the darkest nights, and thus touching countless lives!”

(Based on Rom 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 and Lk 12:35-38 – Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time, Year 1)

Chiara Badano was sixteen when she fell seriously ill.

The doctors said her time was short.
Pain became part of her daily life.
Yet, she smiled.
She prayed.
She offered her suffering for others.

Friends and family were stunned.

How could a young girl face death with such calm and joy?

She often said: “If I suffer, I want to suffer for Jesus.”

Even in her weakest moments, her faith shone bright.
Her light never dimmed.

She became a living reminder: the Light of Christ shines strongest when the night is darkest.

Today, Chiara is recognized as…
… Blessed Chiara Badano, beatified in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI.
(Her Feast Day is on Oct 29)

Her life continues to inspire young and old alike, showing that even in suffering, our faith can illuminate the world.

Blessed Chiara’s story reminds us that each of us has received the Light of Christ. >> But life has winds that threaten to blow it out…
… trials, distractions, selfishness, and false beliefs – these can dim our flame.

The Gospel today calls us to keep our lamps lit, stay vigilant, and nurture the light entrusted to us.

At our Baptism, we were given the Light of Christ.

This light is not just for keeping…
… it is meant to shine, grow, and reach others.
Yet, life is full of winds that threaten to extinguish it.

1. The wind of losing focus on God Our attention can drift from God to worries, desires, or distractions.

When this happens, our light dims.

Faith needs focus.

Prayer, reflection, and turning back to God rekindle the flame.
Even small efforts of getting back our attention to God, restores our light.

2. The wind of self-centeredness When we live only for ourselves, our priorities shift from love and service to comfort, pride, or greed.

Generosity, humility, and selfless love fan the flame, allowing the light of Christ to shine through our actions.

We need to keep checking: Is the Lord the centre of my life?

Are the thoughts in my mind, in line, with the love of Christ?
Are all my actions oriented for the glory of God?

3. The wind of false beliefs and ideologies The world offers many alluring paths that pull us away from truth…
   … materialism, pride, or shallow philosophies.
   These winds can mislead and dim our light.

Rooting ourselves in the daily deepening of God’s Word and the Church’s teaching, protects the flame and keeps it true.

it is true, that we cannot stop these, and many other winds from blowing.

But we can choose not to let them extinguish the Light of Christ in us.

Strength comes from:

Daily prayer and personal conversation with God>> Frequent reception of the Sacraments>> Immersion in the Word of God>> Faithfulness in our daily duties and vocation
And in our moments of weakness, we are invited to humbly approach our Blessed Lord, and say: “Lord, my light is flickering.
Can you reignite it in me?”

Blessed Chiara’s life reminds us: even the smallest flame, when nurtured by faith…
… can shine through the darkest nights
… touching countless lives.

“Lord… Give me oil in my lamp….
… keep me burning, burning, burning!”

God Bless! Live Jesus!

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📖 Discovering the beauty of the Catholic Church through the Catechism
MAN’S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT – GOD’S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE – The Sixth Commandment – You shall not commit adultery

Jesus said to his disciples: “Love one another even as I have loved you.”
You shall not commit adultery.
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.”

But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (CCC # 2331)